• Government contractors may have to comply with some affirmative action requirements.
• Significant changes in requirements occurred in 2025.

Government contractors with federal contracts may be subject to affirmative action and nondiscrimination requirements. However, significant changes occurred in 2025 when Executive Order 11246 was revoked, ending the federal affirmative action program requirements that had applied to women and minorities.

Federal contractors remain subject to affirmative action obligations for individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and for protected veterans under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA).

For non-construction (service and supply) contractors, coverage generally depends on the type and value of the federal contract:

• Section 503 (Individuals with Disabilities): Contractors with a federal contract exceeding $20,000 must comply with the nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements of Section 503. Contractors with 50 or more employees and at least one federal contract of $50,000 or more must also develop and maintain a written affirmative action program (AAP) for individuals with disabilities.
• VEVRAA (Protected Veterans): Contractors with a federal contract of $200,000 or more must comply with VEVRAA's nondiscrimination and affirmative action requirements. Contractors with 50 or more employees and at least one federal contract of $200,000 or more must also develop and maintain a written affirmative action program for protected veterans.

Construction contractors with federal construction contracts may also be subject to Section 503 and VEVRAA requirements. However, the former Executive Order 11246 construction affirmative action requirements, including minority and female participation goals established by geographic area, are no longer being enforced following the revocation of Executive Order 11246.

The regulations governing affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities are found at 41 CFR Part 60-741. The regulations governing affirmative action programs for protected veterans are found at 41 CFR Part 60-300.